According to the real estate data trackers at Attom Data Solutions, the typical home sold in Los Angeles and Orange counties in 2018 had raw profits of $227,000 — that’s the publicly available sales price minus purchase price without accounting for any transaction costs, repairs, home improvements or taxes.

That profit ranked fifth nationally among 217 major metropolitan areas studied by Attom. It was up from $203,000 in 2017. And if you incorporate the original pricing into the math, an L.A.-O.C. seller’s gains equaled 57 percent appreciation during ownership — 12th highest nationally.

Nationally, sellers were winners, too. They just didn’t make nearly as much.

U.S. gains ran $61,000 or 33 percent appreciation. That’s up from 2017’s $50,000 and the biggest profits since pre-recession 2006. All but 12 of the U.S. metros tracked showed seller gains in 2018; all but 19 had profit improvements from 2017 — and 22 had profits of $100,000 or more.

And California dominated Attom’s price-appreciation list.

Silicon Valley was No. 1 with profits of $593,000 up from $422,000 in 2017. Last year’s gains equaled 109 percent appreciation over time of ownership.

Yes, I know house appreciation may frustrate house hunters. But these gains are also an important fuel for the economy.

Sales mean there’s a happy new owner. And the proceeds often power the “move up” real estate market comprising pricier homes that sellers often purchase … or the funds are spent on other household needs. Plus, the buzz of real estate riches can boost broader consumer confidence.

Please note Attom’s Todd Teta hinted that future gains may be at risk.

“The economy is still going strong and home loan rates remain historically low. But there are potential clouds on the horizon,” he stated. “The effects of last year’s tax cuts are wearing off as limits on homeowner tax deductions are in place and mortgage rates are ticking up ever so slowly, so this could dampen the potential for home price gains in 2019.”

Jonathan Lansner has been the Orange County Register's business columnist since 1997 and has been part of the newspaper's coverage of the local business scene since 1986. He is a native New Yorker who is a past national president of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Jon lives in Trabuco Canyon -- yes, a homeowner -- and when he's not fiddling with his trusty spreadsheet at work you can likely find him rooting for his beloved Anaheim Ducks or umpiring local lacrosse games.